Federal Govt Provides Emergency Access to PED Vaccine for Hogs

Fri, 31 Jan 2014

CANADA - Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz announced yesterday (30 January) that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is prepared to issue permits to authorise veterinarians to import the iPED+ vaccine for use in Canadian pig herds.

It will be available for use in Canada under veterinary supervision in pigs as a precautionary measure against PED.

Quick Facts

The Chief Veterinary Officer of Canada continues to work with provincial counterparts and industry stakeholders to ensure coordinated leadership on the response to this disease.

Swine producers should contact their veterinarians about the vaccine.

Veterinarians can apply for an import permit for the vaccine immediately.

To date the Federal Government has invested over $29 million to help industry prepare to mitigate risks related to swine diseases, including the development and implementation of on-farm biosecurity standards and best management practices.

There are no food safety or human health concerns associated with this disease.

Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz said: "Our Government remains committed to ensuring the health of Canada's valuable agriculture sector. Today's announcement is another step in the CFIA's continuous efforts to work with the provinces to prevent PED from spreading in Canada."

Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism, and Agriculture) Maxime Bernier said: "We are working closely with pork farmers to ensure that effective biosecurity measures are in place and will continue in assisting with any monitoring, diagnostic and technical support as needed."

Canadian Pork Council Chairman Jean-Guy Vincent said: "Farmers need access to whatever tools are available to fight this virus. Producers appreciate the work by both federal and provincial governments to support the industry and need to emphasize that producers need to do everything they can on farm through their due diligence and biosecurity efforts limit the spread of the PED virus."